Theatrical-stage appliance.



I J. E. SMITH. THEATRIOAL STAGE APPLIANCE. APPLICATION FILED OCT. 13, 1911.

Patented July 9, 1912.

2 SHEETS$HEET 1.

COLUMBIA PLANOCIRAPII CO.,WASHINUTON. D. c.

J. E. $MITH.

THEATRIGAL STAGE APPLIANCE. APPLICATION FILED 001.13, 1911.

Patented July 9, 1912.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

am srs arm rrrc.

JESSIE E. SMITH, or NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR or ONE-HALF 'ro JOHN A. SHACKEL- roan, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

'IHEATRICAL-STAGE APPLIANCE, 1

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Jnssm E. SMITH, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Theatrical- Stage Appliances; and I do declare the fol lowing to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to theatrical stages and appliances therefor.

The object of the present invention is to provide a novel means for producing a variety of interesting and pleasing theatrical effects, and whereby a succession of rapid and bewildering scenic changes may be effected.

The invention consists in a means for revolubly mounting the wings and the trans verse scenery, and in mechanism by which these parts may be simultaneously operated either in whole or in part.

It also comprises details of construction which will be more fully explained by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front elevation of stage. Fig. 2 is a plan of same. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical section of same. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail.

In the ordinary construction of stage scenery the side flats and other drop and floor scenes are more or less operated by hand, and independently.

It is the object of this invention to provide a means by which these parts may be moved simultaneously.

I have here shown an illustration of a stage which may be employed for stereopticon moving picture or scenic views which may be shown at the rear of the stage, the side flats or wings and corresponding floor portions of the scenery being so set as to form a pictorial setting for the views; but it will be manifest that the device is equally capable of being used in connection with any stage for the production of plays or the like.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed October 13, 1911.

Patented July 9, 1912.

Serial No. 654,508.

A represents the proscenium opening of the stage, and B the back wall. At the sides are set the various flats A or wings of the scene which may extend successively from the front to the rear on each side, and be of any desired character. These scenes are mounted upon vertical revoluble shafts 3 which are properly journaled at top and bottom. The scenes are arranged radially to the said shafts, preferably at right angles to each other, and any desired eflects may be produced upon those portions of the liats which project into view; these being varied as may be desired.

Across the lower part, and coincident with the vertical flats, are horizontal flats or scenes 4: which are mounted upon corresponding shafts 5 journaled so that these flats may also be revolved. The shafts carrying these horizontal flats are substantially coincident wit-h those at the sides, so that they may operate in sets, as many sets being employed as found desirable or necessary for the purpose.

Means are employed by which any set or series of sets may be revolved in unison so that changes of scene may be effected at very short notice. Various devices may be employed for making these changes. In the present case one or more shafts are journaled beneath or above, or any place desired, the stage and power may be applied from any suitable or desired motor or other driving device such as ball bearing or pully, etc., so that these shafts may be revolved as desired. Power from these shafts may be transmitted to the vertical and to the horizontal flat-carrying shafts, either by belting, by gears, chain and sprocket, or other equivalent and well known mechanical means; the object in any event being to insure synchronous movement of the parts, and with as little noise and friction as possible.

In Fig. 4 the scenes are illustrated having the outer ends thereof arranged at right angles to the faces of the scenes, the extreme end 10 of each scene being parallel with the body thereof. A plurality of electric lights 11 is arranged as shown for the purpose of illuminating the scenes.

In the present device I have shown bevel gears 7 by which such connections are made, and it will be manifest that when the power shafts are revolved the vertical and horizontal shafts, with the flats carried thereby, will also be turned in unison. Thus a rapid and effective change of scenery is readily made.

Having thus described this invention, What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is- 1. The combination with a stage or the like, of horizontally and vertically jour- 'naled scenery-bearing flats or wings, and

means by which they may be simultaneously presented and retracted.

2. Ihe combination with a stage and the like, of vertically journaled shafts located at each side thereof, flats or wings spaced around each shaft at substantially equal distances apart and arranged one substantially at right angles to the other whereby a partial movement of the shaft presents one wing and retracts another, said wings projecting radially beyond the shaft, and mech anismby which the shafts upon opposite sides may be revolved to present symmetrical scenes.

3. The combination with a stage or the like, of vertically journaled shafts located at each side thereof, flats or Wings adapted for the representation of scenery, said flats or Wings being fixed to the shafts and disposed radially thereto and arranged successively at substantially right angles to each other, and mechanism for revolving the shafts at each side of the stage or the like for presenting symmetrical scenes simultaneously.

l. In an apparatus of the character described, a stage, vertically journaled shafts with scenery-carrying wings radially disposed thereto so as to be successively presented to view from the front, horizontal shafts and similar surfaces radiating therefrom, and mechanism by which the vertical and horizontal shafts may be revolved'to present their various faces simultaneously.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, a stage or the like, a series of vertically journaled shafts disposed at either side of the stage and in succession from the front to the rear, Wings adapted to carry portions of the scenery and radially disposed to said shafts, corresponding horizontally journaled shaftswith radial faces or surfaces, and mechanism through which power may be transmitted to revolve the shafts and simultaneously change the scenes presented thereby.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signa ture, in presence of two witnesses.

JESSIE E. SMITH.

Vitnesses:

l/VM. DICKINSON, MARY L. EGLIN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). C. 

